Do you struggle with feeling unappreciated for your service in the music ministry? Has this struggle led to feelings of insecurity? Are you basing the worth of your ministry on the feedback that you receive?
If you are in the music ministry in the local church, you probably pour yourself out to minister to the Body but often don’t get poured into yourself. This can lead to feelings of being unappreciated, which can lead to insecurity.
Here’s an example:
You are a regularly scheduled singer at your church. You are always buying and learning new songs to sing in the church services and at special events. You give of yourself, your time and your money. Sometimes when you sing someone will take the time to tell you that your song was a blessing or someone will thank you for your ministry. But many times you don’t get much feedback.
Then one Sunday a new musician sings for the church service and all you can hear is what a blessing it was, what a great voice they have and how God is using their gift in powerful ways. They may even be publicly thanked for their ministry.
You immediately feel unappreciated for your years of dedicated service and insecure in your musical gifts. So what do you do? Do you sulk and pet those feelings?
Emotions are hard to reign in, in our own strength, so let’s go to God’s Word and find truth to stand on. First of all, be on your guard against the enemy’s schemes. I Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (ESV) Oh the enemy is so sneaky! He will do what he can to discourage you in your ministry so you must be on your guard – be watchful. Don’t allow him to gain any ground! Don’t pet those negative feelings! Confess them to the Lord and ask for His help.
Secondly, remember whom you are serving. Colossians 3: 23-24 says “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (ESV) You are ultimately serving the Lord. Keep your music ministry grounded on Him. Do all that you do for God’s approval not for men’s praise. If you begin to weigh the worth of your service on man’s praise you will soon begin to feel unappreciated and insecure. Let your confidence rest in the Lord. He will encourage you as continue on in the work He’s called you to.
So, my fellow musician, let’s guard against any feelings of being unappreciated or feeling insecure. Continue on in your service to the Lord, singing for Him, knowing that from the Lord you will receive your reward. It is the Lord Christ we are serving!